Method, system and component for controlling the preservation of a product

ABSTRACT

The invention pertains to a method, a system and a component for systematically and automatically controlling a product, whose preservation in a distribution circuit depends on temperature, in particular a product subjected to a cold chain. The method includes: affixing, on the product, a marker including elements, in particular the bars of a bar code, intended to be identified by automatic processing units, fixing a component on the product. The component includes at least one part including mask intended for masking the elements of the marker, at least temporarily, without modifying them, when (i) the temperature of the product exceeds a specific temperature threshold or (ii) when the preservation conditions differ from a specific reference level, in particular characterized by the exceeding of a specific temperature threshold for a longer duration than a specific duration or by the exceeding of a specific preservation duration.

PERTINENT FIELD, PRIOR ART, PROBLEM POSED

[0001] The present invention pertains to a method, a system and acomponent for systematically and automatically controlling a product,whose preservation in a distribution circuit depends on the temperature,in particular a product subjected to a cold chain.

[0002] Faced with increasing needs for traceability of heat-sensitiveproducts coming, in particular, from the participants of thefarm-produce and health markets, a number of operators have developedand marketed visual temperature exceeding indicators. Often designatedby the expression “indicator of a break in the cold chain” or even“freshness chip,” these solutions, presented in the form of labels, didnot have the expected success, in particular because of difficultieswith reading and subjective interpretation of the status of theindicators.

[0003] In order to provide a response to users regarding their concernfor objectivity of the control of the compliance with preservationtemperatures, some prior-art documents consequently propose correlatingthe legibility of a bar code with the compliance or noncompliance withthe preservation temperatures of the product related thereto.

PRIOR ART

[0004] The prior-art solutions, analyzed below, combine the use of thebar code with different types of colored heat indicators. Theseprior-art solutions are described in the following documents, inparticular:

[0005] WO 01 64430 A (LIFELINES TECHNOLOGY INC), published on Sep. 7,2001 (Sep. 07, 2001), hereinafter called document D1,

[0006] EP 0 250 217 A (GENERAL ELECTRIC CO PLC), published on Dec. 23,1987 (Dec. 23, 1987), hereinafter called document D2,

[0007] DE 199 12 529 A (HERBENER HEINZ GERD; VOGELS NIKOLAUS (DE)),published on Sep. 28, 2000 (Sep. 28, 2000), hereinafter called documentD3,

[0008] WO 00 47964 A (TEMP TELL LIMITED; TESTER RICHARD (GB)), Aug. 17,2000 (Aug. 17, 2000), hereinafter called document D4.

[0009] Either the prior-art solutions impose the use of printingtechniques integrating the systems of heat indicators described. This isthe case in documents D2 and D4, which propose reproducing all or someof the component elements of a bar code on a medium by laying downmicroencapsulated materials sometimes (document D2), and sometimesheat-sensitive materials (lipids) (document D4).

[0010] Or the prior-art solutions impose selecting a bar code printingmedium (paper, plastic, . . . ), specifically treated by means of theheat-sensitive chemical components (document D1) or varnish, delayingthe activation of the heat indicators (document D3).

[0011] Thus, the bar code indirectly integrates new information that isaccessible to consumers and to professionals: If the heat-sensitiveproduct successfully passes all the steps, in which its bar code is readoptically (receipt of logistical units, passage at cash registers, . . .), and it is thus found in the refrigerator of the consumer, the latteris certain that the preservation temperatures were complied with untilthen.

[0012] Thus, the point of such methods is to obtain a means ofsystematic and objective control of the compliance with the preservationtemperatures over time.

PROBLEM POSED

[0013] Nevertheless, the classical bar code printing techniques andcomponents are vastly modified, which implies the appearance of new,very marked industrial constraints that are widely rejected by potentialusers.

[0014] Moreover, all the prior-art solutions show a direct andirreversible degradation of all or some of the component elements of thebar codes. The data held in these codes continue to be invaluable to theprofessionals and must be able to be accessible to them after thedetection and setting aside of the suspect heat-sensitive products.

[0015] The present invention solves the problems stated above.

SOLUTION Method

[0016] The present invention pertains to a method for systematically andautomatically controlling a product, whose preservation in adistribution circuit depends on the temperature, in particular a productsubjected to a cold chain.

[0017] The method according to the present invention comprises thefollowing steps:

[0018] the step of affixing, on the product, a marker comprisingelements, in particular the bars of a bar code, intended to beidentified by the automatic processing units managing the marketing ofthe product between the economic participants in question, in particularbetween a distributor and a consumer or between a pharmaceuticallaboratory and a hospital,

[0019] the step of fixing a component on the product.

[0020] The component comprises at least one part comprising maskingmeans intended to mask the elements of the marker, at least temporarily,without modifying them, when (i) the temperature of the product exceedsa specific temperature threshold or (ii) when the preservationconditions differ from a specific reference level, in particularcharacterized by the exceeding of a specific temperature threshold for aduration longer than a specific duration, or by the exceeding of aspecific preservation duration.

[0021] The results of the combination of the technical features are thatunder the circumstances mentioned above:

[0022] the automatic processing units can no longer read the markers,

[0023] on the other hand, a regulatory agency may decide to make themarkers legible again.

[0024] Preferably, according to the present invention, the method issuch that the part of the component making it possible to mask theelements of the marker at least temporarily is embodied in a removableform. Thus, in case of masking the marker, the regulatory agency maydecide to remove the removable part of the component in order to makethe markers legible again.

[0025] Preferably, according to the present invention, the method issuch that the component comprises a part irreversibly fixed on theproduct. The irreversibly fixed part comprises an indicator of changesin the preservation conditions, in particular an indicator of a break inthe cold chain. The result of the combination of technical features isthat if the preservation conditions are changed, the products inquestion can be identified beyond dispute.

[0026] Preferably, according to a first embodiment variant of thepresent invention, the method is such that, to mask the elements of themarker, a first substance intended to act as a screen between the markerand the automatic processing units is diffused above the marker by meansof a migrant physicochemical reaction.

[0027] Preferably, according to a second embodiment variant of thepresent invention, the method is such that, to mask the elements of themarker, an optical property of a second substance intended to act as ascreen between the marker and the automatic processing units is modifiedvia a controlled growth of a population of microorganisms above themarker.

[0028] The population of microorganisms is placed on a culturesubstrate. The controlled growth of the population of microorganismscomprises an activation process. Thus, when the activation process isdeactivated, handling the second substance at ambient temperature doesnot induce the controlled growth of the population of microorganisms.

[0029] Preferably, in the case of this second embodiment variant of thepresent invention, the method additionally comprises the step ofinhibiting the growth of the population of microorganisms. The growth ofthe population of microorganisms is inhibited during the handling phasesof the culture substrate. The method additionally comprises the step ofdisinhibiting the population of microorganisms during the marketing ofthe product in the distribution circuit, in particular in the coldchain. Thus, the growth of the population of microorganisms becomespossible.

[0030] Preferably, in the case of this second embodiment variant of thepresent invention, the method is such that:

[0031] to inhibit the population of microorganisms, it is dehydrated,

[0032] to disinhibit the population of microorganisms, it is rehydrated.

[0033] Preferably, according to another embodiment variant of thepresent invention, the method additionally comprises the step of placingthe population of microorganisms on a culture substrate in a mediumhaving in particular an acid pH, inhibiting the growth of the populationof microorganisms. Thus, the growth of the population of microorganismsis inhibited during the handling phases of the culture substrate.

[0034] The method additionally comprises the step of adjusting the pH ofthe medium, in particular by the release of water, during its affixingon the marker. The result of the combination of technical features isthat the growth of the population of microorganisms becomes possible.

[0035] System

[0036] The present invention also pertains to a system forsystematically and automatically controlling a product, whosepreservation in a distribution circuit depends on the temperature, inparticular a product subjected to a cold chain.

[0037] The system comprises:

[0038] a marker, affixed on the product, comprising elements, inparticular the bars of a bar code, intended to be identified byautomatic processing units managing the marketing of the product betweenthe economic participants in question, in particular between adistributor and a consumer or between a pharmaceutical laboratory and ahospital,

[0039] a component,

[0040] fixing means for fixing the component on the product at thelocation of the marker.

[0041] The component comprises at least one part comprising maskingmeans intended to mask the elements of the marker, at least temporarily,without modifying them, when (i) the temperature of the product exceedsa specific temperature threshold or (ii) when the preservationconditions differ from a specific reference level, in particularcharacterized by the exceeding of a specific temperature threshold for aduration longer than a specific duration, or by the exceeding of aspecific preservation duration.

[0042] The result of the combination of technical features is that theautomatic processing units can no longer read the markers under thecircumstances mentioned above. On the other hand, a regulatory agencymay decide to make the markers legible again.

[0043] Preferably, according to the present invention, the system issuch that the fixing means fix the part of the component making itpossible to mask the elements of the marker at least temporarily on theproduct in a removable manner. Thus, in case of masking the marker, theregulatory agency may decide to remove the removable part of thecomponent in order to make the markers legible again.

[0044] Preferably, according to the present invention, the system issuch that the component comprises a part irreversibly fixed on theproduct. The irreversibly fixed part comprises an indicator of changesin the preservation conditions, in particular an indicator of a break inthe cold chain. The result of the combination of technical features isthat if the preservation conditions are changed, the products inquestion can be identified beyond dispute.

[0045] Preferably, according to a first embodiment variant of thepresent invention, the system is such that the masking means diffuse afirst substance intended to act as a screen between the marker and theautomatic processing units above the marker by means of a migrantphysicochemical reaction.

[0046] Preferably, according to a second embodiment variant of thepresent invention, the system is such that the masking means modify anoptical property of a second substance intended to act as a screenbetween the marker and the automatic processing units via a controlledgrowth of a population of microorganisms above the marker. Thecontrolled growth of the population of microorganisms comprises anactivation process. Thus, when the activation process is deactivated,the handling of the second substance at ambient temperature does notinduce the controlled growth of the population of microorganisms.

[0047] Preferably, in the case of this second embodiment variant of thepresent invention, the population of microorganisms is placed on aculture substrate. The system additionally comprises inhibition meansfor inhibiting the growth of the population of microorganisms on theculture substrate. Thus, the growth of the population of microorganismsis inhibited during the phases of handling the culture substrate atambient temperature. The system additionally comprises disinhibitionmeans for disinhibiting the population of microorganisms during themarketing of the product in the distribution circuit, in particular inthe cold chain. Thus, the growth of the population of microorganismsbecomes possible.

[0048] Preferably, according to the present invention, the system issuch that:

[0049] the inhibition means for inhibiting the population ofmicroorganisms comprise dehydration means,

[0050] the disinhibition means for disinhibiting the population ofmicroorganisms comprise rehydration means.

[0051] Preferably, according to the present invention, the population ofmicroorganisms is placed on a culture substrate. The culture substrateis located in an impermeable pouch, with the pouch containing a culturemedium. The pH of the culture medium is selected suitably, in particularan acid pH, to inhibit the growth of the population of microorganisms.Thus, the growth of the population of microorganisms is inhibited duringthe handling phases of the culture substrate.

[0052] The masking means additionally comprise adjustment means foradjusting the pH of the medium, in particular by the release of water.The pH adjustment means are particularly in the form of a perforatablecapsule, containing water, located inside the pouch. Thus, the growth ofthe population of microorganisms becomes possible after fixing thecomponent on the product at the location of the marker.

[0053] Component

[0054] The present invention also pertains to a component forsystematically and automatically controlling a product, whosepreservation in a distribution circuit depends on the temperature, inparticular a product subjected to a cold chain.

[0055] A marker was affixed on the product. The marker compriseselements, in particular the bars of a bar code, intended to beidentified by automatic processing units managing the marketing of theproduct between the economic participants in question, in particularbetween a distributor and a consumer or between a pharmaceuticallaboratory and a hospital.

[0056] The component comprises fixing means for fixing the component onthe product at the location of the marker. At least one part of thecomponent comprises masking means for masking the elements of themarker, at least temporarily, without modifying them, when (i) thetemperature of the product exceed a specific temperature threshold or(ii) when the preservation conditions differ from a specific referencelevel, in particular characterized by the exceeding of a specifictemperature threshold for a duration longer than a specific duration, orby the exceeding of a specific preservation duration.

[0057] The result of the combination of technical features is that theautomatic processing units can no longer read the markers under thecircumstances mentioned above. On the other hand, a regulatory agencymay decide to make the markers legible again.

[0058] Preferably, according to the present invention, the component issuch that the fixing means fix the part of the component making itpossible to mask the elements of the marker at least temporarily on theproduct in a removable manner. Thus, in case of masking the marker, theregulatory agency may decide to remove the removable part of thecomponent in order to make the markers legible again.

[0059] Preferably, according to the present invention, the componentcomprises a part irreversibly fixed on the product. The irreversiblyfixed part comprises an indicator of changes in the preservationconditions, in particular an indicator of a break in the cold chain. Theresult of the combination of technical features is that if thepreservation conditions are changed, the products in question can beidentified beyond dispute.

[0060] Preferably, according to a first embodiment variant of thepresent invention, the component is such that the masking means diffusea first substance intended to act as a screen between the marker and theautomatic processing units above the marker by means of a migrantphysicochemical reaction.

[0061] Preferably, according to a second embodiment variant of thepresent invention, the component is such that the masking means modifyan optical property of a second substance intended to act as a screenbetween the marker and the automatic processing units via a controlledgrowth of a population of microorganisms above the marker. Thecontrolled growth of the population of microorganisms comprises anactivation process. Thus, when the activation process is deactivated,the handling of the second substance at ambient temperature does notinduce the controlled growth of the population of microorganisms.

[0062] Preferably, in the case of this second embodiment variantaccording to the present invention, the component additionally comprisesinhibition means for inhibiting the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms placed on a culture substrate. The result of thecombination of technical features is that the growth of the populationof microorganisms is inhibited during the phases of handling the culturesubstrate at ambient temperature. The component additionally comprisesdisinhibition means for disinhibiting the population of microorganismsduring the marketing of the product in the distribution circuit, inparticular in the cold chain. Thus, the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms becomes possible.

[0063] Preferably, according to the present invention, the component issuch that:

[0064] the inhibition means for inhibiting the population ofmicroorganisms comprise dehydration means,

[0065] the disinhibition means for disinhibiting the population ofmicroorganisms comprise rehydration means.

[0066] Preferably, according to the present invention, the population ofmicroorganisms is placed on a culture substrate. The culture substrateis located in an impermeable pouch, with the pouch containing a culturemedium. The pH of the culture medium is selected suitably, in particularan acid pH, to inhibit the growth of the population of microorganisms.Thus, the growth of the population of microorganisms is inhibited duringthe handling phases of the culture substrate. The masking meansadditionally comprise adjustment means for adjusting the pH of themedium, in particular by the release of water. The pH adjustment meansare particularly in the form of a perforatable capsule, containingwater, located inside the pouch. Thus, the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms becomes possible after fixing the component on theproduct at the location of the marker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Other characteristics and advantages of the present inventionshall become apparent upon the reading of the description of embodimentvariants of the present invention, which are given by way of indicativeand nonlimiting example, and from

[0068]FIG. 1, which schematically shows the marketing of a product inthe particular case of the use of a cold chain,

[0069]FIG. 2, which schematically shows a product subjected to a coldchain and comprising a marker intended in particular for activatingautomatic processing units managing the marketing of the product,

[0070]FIG. 3, which schematically shows a first embodiment variant ofthe masking means for masking the marker 3 in case of a break in a coldchain,

[0071]FIG. 4, which schematically shows a second embodiment variant ofthe masking means for masking the marker 3 in case of a break in a coldchain,

[0072]FIGS. 5a, 5 b, 5 c and 6 a, 6 b, which schematically show themasking of the marker in the case of the first and the second embodimentvariants of the deactivation means,

[0073]FIG. 7, which shows a component comprising a removable maskingpart.

[0074] In general, the goal of the system according to the presentinvention is to make it possible to systematically and automaticallycontrol a product 1, whose preservation in a distribution circuit 2depends on the temperature 51.

[0075] In this case and in a first series of applications, the systemmay take the form of a Time Temperature Integrator and may thus just aseasily reveal a critical accumulation of abnormal temperature elevationsin relation to the reference temperature, as a critical accumulation ofabnormal drops in temperature.

[0076] For example, an application of the system makes it possible toreveal the poor preservation conditions of a deep-frozen product thatusually has to be preserved at −18° C. The deep-frozen products do nothave a preservation limit date, and consequently, only temperatureexceedings can alter the quality of the products. The risk for criticalaccumulation of breaks in the cold chain is all the more importantbecause the product passes through the hands of a large number ofmiddlemen before arriving in the freezer of the final consumer.

[0077] For example, in the farm-produce industry, the hot preservedmeals are kept at a temperature greater than 63° C. until the moment ofconsumption. An application of the system makes it possible to revealthe accumulations of exposure of the product to temperatures lower thanthe recommended temperature of 63° C.

[0078] In this case and in a second series of applications, the systemmay take the form of a threshold exceeding indicator and this timereveal the exceeding of the reference temperature towards lower orhigher temperatures according to the configuration.

[0079] For example, some products need to be sterilized and aretherefore brought to very high temperatures. Some types of milks, forexample, to be able to be marketed must be heated to more than 140° C.(Ultrahigh Temperature milk). The goal of an application of the systemis to check that the temperature of 140° C. was readily reached at agiven moment.

[0080] For example, below −4° C., tartar deposits form in wine bottlesdue to the precipitation of the salts of tartaric acid, which are littleappreciated by the consumer because they are comparable to defects. Anapplication of the system makes it possible to instantly reveal thesetemperature drops, as soon as the reference temperature is exceeded.

[0081] The system may be configured both according to a referencetemperature and according to the shelf life of the product.

[0082] In this second case, the system passes the poor preservationconditions on to the shelf life of the product. If the referencetemperature is not exceeded, the performance of the system over time isidentical to the normal degradation process of the product.

[0083] For example, some products, in particular fresh products, have anExpiration Date, beyond which the product is no longer consumable evenif the preservation conditions haven been correctly complied with. Onthe other hand, if breaks in a cold chain are recorded, the ExpirationDate is all the more advanced (shortened) because the breaks in a coldchain are long and occur at elevated temperatures. The label maysimulate this operation: It has a mechanism of normal degradation aslong as the preservation conditions are complied with and it sees itsmechanism of degradation accelerated if the temperature exceeds therecommended preservation temperature, which will lead, at the end of thedegradation phase, to the masking of the marker before the theoreticalexpiration date.

[0084] For example, some products on the farm-produce market must bepreserved below 4° C. from their departure from the factory until theyreach the home of the final consumer, passing through the transportersand the distributor. The accidental exceeding of this referencetemperature during one of these steps does not inevitably make a productunfit for consumption, but decreases the duration during which theproduct is consumable. The accumulation of these exceedings over timemust be controlled.

[0085] The system according to the present invention shall be describedin the particular case of a product 1 subjected to a cold chain.

[0086]FIG. 1 schematically shows the marketing of products 1 using acold chain. The products 1 are manufactured and maintained within aspecific temperature in a factory 40, belonging to an industrialist 42,and then they are transported, by means of a refrigerated truck 41, to adistributor 52. A consumer 6 purchases the products 1 by going to thefresh product counter of the distributor 52. The consumer transports theproducts 1 to his home 44 by means of a private vehicle 43 belonging tohim. A break in the cold chain is then capable of occurring at anymoment, from the stage of the manufacture of the products 1 up to thestage of their consumption by the consumer, in particular because of abreakdown of refrigerating equipment or even due to the negligence of aconsumer 6, who, for example, might delay storing the products 1 in arefrigerator. Therefore, it appears to be necessary to be able toperform a check of the products 1 at each step of their marketing. Thegoal of this checking is to systematically and automatically detect aproduct 1 having undergone a break in the cold chain.

[0087]FIG. 2 schematically shows a product 1, using a cold chain, likethe one shown in FIG. 1. The product 1, which takes the form of a foodtray containing slices of sausage here, comprises a marker 3 intendedfor activating an infrared type automatic processing unit 5. As is alsoshown, the marker 3 consists, in a manner known per se, of a bar code 3comprising elements 4, in particular the bars 4 of the bar code 3. Thesebars are intended to be identified by the automatic processing unit 5.Nevertheless, it might be another type of marker 3, in particular anelectronic or magnetic marker 3. Affixing means, for example, printingmeans, are used for affixing the marker 3 on the product 1. In FIG. 2,the automatic processing unit 5 takes the form, known per se, of aninfrared pointer used by a cashier 45 of a supermarket to record andinvoice the product 1 to a consumer.

[0088] A component 6 comprises, on a part 7 dedicated for this purpose,masking means 8, which make it possible to mask the elements 4 of themarker 3, at least temporarily, without modifying them, when thetemperature of the product 1 exceeds a specific temperature threshold.Embodiment variants of the component 6 and of the masking means 8 willbe described below, in particular with reference to FIGS. 3 through 6.

[0089] For example, in the case of a marker of the electromagnetic type,the marketing of the product is linked with the comprehension of asignal sent by the marker. The masking element may be designed so as tomask the signal sent by sending another signal of the same nature whichwill cause interference with the signal of the marker. In this way, themasking element prevents the identification of the product.

[0090] Fixing means 14 make it possible to fix the component 6 on theproduct 1 at the location of the marker 3.

[0091] In the case of the embodiment variants shown in FIGS. 2 through6, the fixing means 14 fix the part 7 of the component 6 making itpossible to mask the elements 4 of the marker 3 at least temporarily onthe product 1 in a removable manner. Thus, in case of masking the marker3, the regulatory agency may decide to remove the removable part 7 ofthe component 6 in order to make the markers 3 legible again.

[0092] To this end, it is possible, e.g., to cover a bar code of acomponent of the Time Temperature Integrator type, consisting of anadhesive, transparent medium integrating an initially transparent,detachable film 25 (see FIG. 7). When a critical accumulation of thetemperature being exceeded over time has passed, the transparent filmcovering the bar code will become opaque, as is described below. Thefilm covering the bar code will stop being transparent and will act as ascreen between the bars and the optical reading beam. The bar code ismasked and its reading is made impossible in this way, as the film thusmade opaque is not separated from the medium. This separation is madepossible due to the use of special adhesives, whose adhesive power willhave been defined to make possible the detachment, by peeling, of thefilm of the transparent medium covering the bar code. Once the film 25has been detached, the data carried in the bar code are decipherableagain (see FIG. 7). At any rate, the bar code has not been modified,altered or destroyed.

[0093] It is also possible, for example, to cover the bar code of a TimeTemperature Integrator, consisting only of a detachable film directlyaffixed to the packaging. In this case it is not necessary to provide atransparent medium.

[0094] It is also possible, for example, to use an adhesive with strongadhesive power for fixing the component, in such a way that thecomponent cannot be detached without altering the packaging of theproduct. In this case, to make it possible to read the bar code, aftermasking same with the component, specific processing means can be used(particularly electric, magnetic, chemical or even mechanical means) tomake the component transparent again. These means are designed todestroy the effects of the elements masking the component (inparticular, by modifying their chemical or physical properties). At anyrate, the bar code has not been modified, altered or destroyed.

[0095] In the case of the embodiment variants shown in FIGS. 2 through6, the component 6 comprises a fixed part 9 irreversibly fixed bysuitable fixing means on the product 1. The irreversibly fixed part 9comprises an indicator 10 of changes in the preservation conditions, inparticular an indicator 10 of a break in the cold chain. Thus, if thepreservation conditions have changed, the products 1 in question can beidentified beyond dispute.

[0096] The indicator located on the sealed, fixed part delivers amessage to the final consumer and to the distributor.

[0097] For the final consumer, it is the guarantee that the system hasnot been falsified by any intervening party before him. In fact, theadhesive power of the adhesives used for sealing the fixed part lead toa direct and visible degradation of the packaging or of the product incase of an attempt to remove the adhesive.

[0098] For the distributor, it is the guarantee that a malevolentconsumer will not be able to replace an untouched indicator with analtered indicator for attempting to provide proof of the poor quality ofa product, while this product has still not left the warehouse. It isalso the guarantee that a transporter will not be able to hide a breakin the cold chain.

[0099] Finally, the separable character of the removable part and of thefixed part makes it possible for the system to be adapted to the graphicstructure of the packaging: The fixed part must be placed in a placevisible to the consumer, while the zone receiving the removable partcoincides with the location of the marker. The latter is often printeddiscreetly on the packaging.

[0100] It shall be noted that the system according to the inventiongenerally comprises:

[0101] a marker 3, affixed on the product 1, comprising elements 4, inparticular the bars 4 of a bar code 3, intended to be identified byautomatic processing units 5 managing the marketing of the product 1between the economic participants in question, in particular between adistributor and a consumer or between a pharmaceutical laboratory and ahospital,

[0102] a component 6,

[0103] fixing means 14 for fixing the component 6 on the product 1 atthe site of the marker 3.

[0104] The component 6 comprises at least one part 7 comprising maskingmeans 8 for masking the elements 4 of the marker 3, at leasttemporarily, without modifying them, when (i) the temperature of theproduct 1 exceeds a specific temperature threshold or (ii) when thepreservation conditions differ from a specific reference level, inparticular characterized by the exceeding of a specific temperaturethreshold for a duration longer than a specific duration.

[0105] The result of the combination of technical features is that theautomatic processing units can no longer read the markers 3 under thesecircumstances. On the other hand, a regulatory agency may decide to makethe markers 3 legible again.

[0106] A first embodiment variant of the component 6 and of the maskingmeans 8 for masking the marker 3 in case of a break in the cold chain ina distribution circuit 2 shall now be described with reference to FIG.3. The masking means 8 comprise an impermeable, flat pouch 21,containing physicochemical reagents. In case of a break in the coldchain, i.e., when the specific temperature is exceeded, thephysicochemical reagents diffuse a first substance 11 acting as a screenon the surface of the marker 3, inside the impermeable, flat pouch 21,by means of a migrant physicochemical reaction 15. Thus, when thespecific temperature is exceeded, the first substance 11 progressivelyforms a screen between the marker 3 and the automatic processing unit 5.The automatic processing unit 5 is then deactivated. The break in thecold chain is therefore detected. As FIG. 3 shows, the physicochemicalreaction 15 migrates from a zone 50, which does not cover the elements 4of the marker 3; therefore, it is only after a certain time that theelements 4 of the marker 3 stop being legible.

[0107] It was stated above that the system according to the presentinvention must be configured:

[0108] either according to a reference temperature, only making itpossible to reveal the poor preservation conditions,

[0109] or, at the same time, according to a reference temperature andaccording to the shelf life of the product.

[0110] The migrant character of the reaction and the existence of an“untouched” warning zone 50 make it possible to achieve theseobjectives. In fact, the temperature acts on the viscosity, on which themigration speed of the mask toward the bar code depends. Consequently,the time that the mask will take to conceal the bar code in an “all ornothing,” binary manner depends on the area of the warning zone 50, onthe temperature and on the duration of exposure to the criticaltemperatures. It is possible to predetermine the reagents of the migrantreaction and the area of the warning zone 50 so as to embody components(Time Temperature Integrators) revealing the differences in relation tothe preservation conditions that are required (the state of freshness)for a given product in a given distribution circuit.

[0111] The migrant nature of the physicochemical reaction makes possiblea progressive masking by preventing the bar code from being madeprematurely illegible, while the product in question is stillconsumable. The objective is to reduce the risk for removing from thechain heat-sensitive products that are still consumable. The use of anonmigrant chemical reaction may result in the premature masking of themarker and the removal of the product from the distribution chain duringthe passage in front of the automatic processing units.

[0112] Another advantage of using a migrant physicochemical reaction isto make it possible to retrace a history of the variations of thetemperature as a function of the time. In fact, a dividing up of thewarning zone 50 preceding the zone of the bar code into a plurality ofprinted levels makes it possible to follow the migration precisely andto interpret the stage of progression of the mask by correlating it withthe state of freshness of the product.

[0113] Once all the printed levels have been exceeded and once thecritical accumulation threshold of breaks in the cold chain has beenreached, the physicochemical reaction migrates to the bar code, makingit almost instantly illegible.

[0114] A second embodiment variant of the component 6 and the maskingmeans 8 for masking the marker 3 in case of a break in the cold chain ina distribution circuit 2 shall now be described with reference to FIG.4. Just as in the case of the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 3, themasking means 8 comprise an impermeable flat pouch. This impermeableflat pouch has the reference number 21 in the case of this embodimentvariant as well. The impermeable flat pouch 21 contains a culturesubstrate 13 on which a population of microorganisms 16 is placed. Thepopulation of microorganisms 16 develops in a controlled manner when thespecific temperature is exceeded. The controlled growth of thepopulation of microorganisms 16 produces a reactive agent that reactswith the medium 22 by modifying an optical property of a secondsubstance 12. In the case of the embodiment variant described withreference to FIG. 4, this second substance 12 is formed by the medium 22itself. In the case of other embodiment variants, this second substance12, which is contained in the impermeable flat pouch 21, may be distinctfrom the medium 22. The second substance 12 forms a screen on thesurface of the marker 3. Thus, when the specific temperature isexceeded, the second substance 12 forms a screen between the marker 3and the automatic processing unit 5. The automatic processing unit 5 isthen deactivated. The break in the cold chain is therefore detected.

[0115] It was stated above that the system according to the presentinvention must be configured:

[0116] either according to a reference temperature, only making itpossible to reveal the poor preservation conditions,

[0117] or, at the same time, according to a reference temperature andaccording to the shelf life of the product.

[0118] The controlled growth of a population of microorganisms makes itpossible to achieve these objectives. In fact, the temperature acts onthe rate of growth of the microorganisms and therefore acts on the rateof production of the reactive agent. When a sufficient quantity ofreactive agent is produced, it reacts with the medium 22 to change itscolor relatively quickly (in relation to the time needed to produce thereactive agent). The color of the medium is changed in a few hours.Consequently, the time that the mask will take to conceal the bar codein an “all or nothing,” binary manner depends on the temperature and onthe duration of exposure to the critical temperatures. It is possible topredetermine the selection of the microorganisms, their quantity, thenature of the second substance 12 (in the case described, the nature ofthe medium 22) so as to embody components (Time Temperature Integrators)revealing the differences in relation to the preservation conditionsrequired (the state of freshness) for a given product in a givendistribution circuit.

[0119] The almost instant character of the color change of the mediummakes it possible to reveal, with precision, the moment when the productstops being consumable. Moreover, the fact that the color change takesplace after a phase of growth of microorganisms prevents the bar codefrom being made prematurely illegible, while the product in question isstill consumable.

[0120] The objective is to reduce the risk for removing stillconsumable, heat-sensitive products from the chain.

[0121] The component 6 comprises means for deactivating the controlledgrowth of the population of microorganisms 16. These deactivation meansshall be described below. Thus, when the controlled growth process isdeactivated, the handling of the component 6 at ambient temperaturebetween the moment when it is manufactured and that when it is fixed onthe product 1 does not induce the controlled growth of the population ofmicroorganisms 16.

[0122] In order to deactivate the controlled growth of the population ofmicroorganisms 16, a plurality of embodiment variants are possible.

[0123] In the case of a first embodiment variant:

[0124] On the one hand, the system comprises inhibition means forinhibiting the growth of the population of microorganisms 1. Forexample, the inhibition means may comprise dehydration means for thispurpose. The population of microorganisms 16 is placed, in thedehydrated state, on the culture substrate 13. In fact, in thedehydrated state, the microorganisms 16 do not proliferate. Thus, thegrowth of the population of microorganisms 16 is inhibited during thephases of handling the culture substrate 13 at ambient temperature.

[0125] On the other hand, the component 6 comprises disinhibition meansfor disinhibiting the population of microorganisms 16 during themarketing of the product 1 in the distribution circuit 2,,in particularin the cold chain. For example, the disinhibition means fordisinhibiting the population of microorganisms 16 may comprise, for thispurpose, means for rehydrating the microorganisms 16 and/or the culturemedium of the microorganisms 16 and/or the culture substrate 13. Thus,the growth of the population of microorganisms 16 becomes possible. Therehydration means are particularly in the form of a perforatable capsule24 containing water, which is located inside the impermeable flat pouch21. The rehydration means are activated, the perforatable capsule 24 isperforated, during the use of the means 14 for fixing the component 6 onthe product 1. Thus, the growth of the population of microorganisms 16becomes possible as soon as the capsule 24 is perforated, after fixingthe component 6 on the product 1. =p In the case of a second embodimentvariant, the population of microorganisms 16 is placed on a culturesubstrate 13. The culture substrate 13 is located in an impermeablepouch 21. The impermeable pouch 21 contains a culture medium 22 (which,as has been seen, may be the second substance 12). The pH of the culturemedium 22 is selected suitably, in particular an acid pH, to inhibit thegrowth of the population of microorganisms 16. Thus, the growth of thepopulation of microorganisms 16 is inhibited during the phases ofhandling said culture substrate 13. The masking means 8 additionallycomprise adjustment means for adjusting the pH of the medium, inparticular by release of water, during the fixing of the component 6 onthe marker 3. In the case of the variant described, said pH adjustmentmeans are in the form of a perforatable capsule 24 containing water,located inside the impermeable pouch 21. Thus, the growth of thepopulation of microorganisms 16 becomes possible after the fixing of thecomponent 6 on the product 1 at the location of the marker 3 and theperforation of the perforatable capsule 24.

[0126]FIGS. 5a, 5 b, 5 c and 6 a, 6 b schematically show the masking ofthe marker 3 in the case of the first and the second embodiment variantsof the component 6, shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, respectively.

[0127]FIGS. 5a, 5 b, 5 c show the progressive masking of the marker 3 bythe diffusion, described above, of the first substance 11. FIG. 5a showsthe marker 3 not having undergone a break in the cold chain. The warningzone 50 is not masked. All the elements 4 of the marker 3, i.e., thebars 4 of the bar code 3, are visible. The marker 3 is therefore capableof activating the automatic processing unit 5 described above. FIG. 5bshows the marker 3 having undergone a brief break in the cold chain. Thefirst substance 11 migrates to the surface of the marker 3, covering thewarning zone 50. The marker 3 can therefore no longer activate theautomatic processing unit 5. FIG. 5c shows the marker 3 having undergonea prolonged break in the cold chain. The first substance 11 pursues itsmigration to the surface of the marker 3. The elements 4 of the marker 3are gradually covered by the first substance 11, thus forming a screenbetween the marker 3 and the automatic processing unit 5. The product 1can therefore no longer be sold.

[0128]FIGS. 6a and 6 b show the masking of the marker 3 by the change inthe color of the medium 22. FIG. 6a shows the marker 3 not havingundergone a break in the cold chain. All the elements 4 of the marker 3,i.e., the bars 4 of the bar code 3, are visible. The marker 3 istherefore capable of activating the automatic processing unit 5described above. FIG. 6b shows the marker 3 having undergone a criticalaccumulation of breaks in the cold chain. The medium 22, having changedcolor, forms a screen on the surface of the marker 3. The marker 3 cantherefore no longer activate the automatic processing unit permittingthe marketing of the product 1.

1. Method for systematically and automatically controlling a product,whose preservation in a distribution circuit depends on the temperature;the method comprising the following steps: the step of affixing, on theproduct, a marker comprising, intended to be identified by an automaticprocessing units managing the marketing of the product, the step offixing a component on the product; the component comprising at least onesaid part comprising masking means intended for masking the elements ofthe marker, at least temporarily, without modifying them, when (i) thetemperature of the product exceeds a specific temperature threshold or(ii) when the preservation conditions differ from a specific referencelevel, or by the exceeding of a specific preservation duration; whereby,in these cases: the automatic processing unit can no longer read themarkers, but a regulatory agency may make the markers legible again. 2.Method in accordance with claim 1; the method being such that the partsf the component making it possible to mask the element of the marker, atleast temporarily, is embodied in a removable form; whereby, in case ofmasking the marker, the regulatory agency may remove the removable partof the component in order to make the marker legible again.
 3. Method inaccordance with any of the claims 1 or 2; the method being such that thecomponent comprises a fixed part irreversibly fixed on the product; theirreversibly fixed part comprising an indicator of the changes in thepreservation conditions; whereby, in case of a change in thepreservation conditions, the products in question can be identifiedbeyond dispute.
 4. Method in accordance with any of claims 1 or 2; themethod being such that, for masking the elements of the marker, a firstsubstance intended to act as a screen between the marker and theautomatic processing unit is diffused above the marker by means of amigrant physicochemical reaction.
 5. Method in accordance with any ofclaims 1 or 2; the method being such that, for masking the elements ofthe marker, an optical property of a second substance intended to act asa screen between the marker and the automatic processing unit ismodified via a controlled growth of a population of microorganisms abovethe marker, the controlled growth of the population of microorganismscomprising an activation process; whereby, when the activation processis deactivated, the handling of the component at ambient temperaturedoes not induce the controlled growth of the population ofmicroorganisms.
 6. Method in accordance with claim 5 wherein thepopulation of microorganisms is placed on a culture substrate, themethod additionally comprising: the step of inhibiting the growth of thepopulation of microorganisms; whereby the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms is inhibited during the phases of handling the culturesubstrate; the method additionally comprising: the step of disinhibitingthe population of microorganisms during the marketing of the product inthe distribution circuit; whereby the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms becomes possible.
 7. Method in accordance with claim 6;the method being such that: the inhibiting of the population ofmicroorganisms, of dehydrating it, the disinhibiting of the populationof microorganisms, step of rehydrating it.
 8. Method in accordance withclaim 5, wherein the population of microorganisms is placed on a culturesubstrate, the method additionally comprising: the step of placing thepopulation of microorganisms in a medium having an acid pH, tending toinhibit the growth of the population of microorganisms; whereby thegrowth of the population of microorganisms is inhibited during thephases of handling the culture substrate; the method additionallycomprising: the step of adjusting the pH of the medium; whereby thegrowth of the population of microorganisms becomes possible after fixingthe component on the product at the location of the marker.
 9. Systemfor systematically and automatically controlling a product, whosepreservation in a distribution circuit depends on the temperature; thesystem comprising: a marker, affixed on the product, comprising,intended to be identified by the automatic processing units managing themarketing of the product a component, fixing means for fixing thecomponent on the product at the location of the marker; the componentcomprising at least one said part comprising masking means for maskingthe elements of the marker, at least temporarily, without modifyingthem, when (i) the temperature of the product exceeds a specifictemperature threshold or (ii) when the preservation conditions differfrom a specific reference level, or by the exceeding of a specificpreservation duration; whereby in these cases the automatic processingunits can no longer read the markers; and whereby a regulatory agencymay decide to make the markers legible again.
 10. System in accordancewith claim 9; the system being such that the fixing means fix the partof the component, making it possible to mask the element of the markerat least temporarily, on the product in a removable manner; whereby, incase of masking the marker, the regulatory agency may remove theremovable part of the component in order to make the markers legibleagain.
 11. System in accordance with any of the claims 9 or 10; thesystem being such that the component comprises a fixed part irreversiblyfixed on the product; the irreversibly fixed part comprising a indicatorof the changes in the preservation conditions; whereby, in case of achange in the preservation conditions, the products in question can beidentified beyond dispute.
 12. System in accordance with any of claims 9or 10; the system being such that the masking means diffuse a firstsubstance intended to act as a screen between the marker and theautomatic processing units above the marker by means of a migrantphysicochemical reaction.
 13. System in accordance with any of claims 9or 10; the system being such that the masking means modify an opticalproperty of a second substance intended to act as a screen between themarker and the automatic processing units via a controlled growth of apopulation of microorganisms above the marker; the controlled growth ofthe population of microorganisms comprising an activation process;whereby, when the activation process is deactivated, the handling of thecomponent at ambient temperature does not induce the controlled growthof the population of microorganisms.
 14. System in accordance with claim13; the population of microorganisms being placed on a culturesubstrate; the system additionally comprising: inhibition means forinhibiting the growth of said population of microorganisms; whereby thegrowth of the population of microorganisms is inhibited during thephases of handling the culture substrate at ambient temperature; thesystem additionally comprising: disinhibition means for disinhibitingthe population of microorganisms during the marketing of the product inthe distribution circuit; whereby the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms becomes possible.
 15. System in accordance with claim 14;the system being such that: the inhibition means for inhibiting thepopulation of microorganisms comprise dehydration means, thedisinhibition means for disinhibiting the population of microorganismscomprise rehydration means.
 16. System in accordance with claim 13; thepopulation of microorganisms being placed on a culture substrates; theculture substrate being located in a impermeable pouch; the pouchcontaining a culture medium; the pH of the culture medium being selectedsuitably, for inhibiting the growth of the population of microorganisms;whereby the growth of the population of microorganisms is inhibitedduring the phases of handling the culture medium; the masking meansadditionally comprising adjustment means for adjusting the pH of themedium; the pH adjustment means are in the form of a perforatablecapsule, containing water, located inside the impermeable pouch; wherebythe growth of the population of microorganisms becomes possible afterfixing the component on the product at the location of the marker.
 17. Acomponent for systematically and automatically controlling a product,whose preservation in a distribution circuit depends on the temperature;a marker having been affixed on the product; the marker comprisingelements, intended to be identified by said automatic processing unitmanaging the marketing of the product; the component comprising: fixingmeans for fixing the component on the product at the location of themarker; at least one part comprising masking means for masking theelements of the marker, at least temporarily, without modifying them,when (i) the temperature of the product exceeds a specific temperaturethreshold or (ii) when the preservation conditions differ from aspecific reference level, or by the exceeding of a specific preservationduration; whereby in these cases the automatic processing unit can nolonger read the markers; whereby a regulatory agency may make themarkers legible again.
 18. A component in accordance with claim 17; thecomponent being such that the fixing means fix the part of thecomponent, making it possible to mask the elements of the marker atleast temporarily, on the product in a removable manner; whereby, incase of masking the marker, the regulatory agency may decide to removethe removable part of the component in order to make the markers legibleagain.
 19. A component in accordance with any of the claims 17 or 18;the component comprising a fixed part irreversibly fixed on the product;the irreversibly fixed part comprising a indicator of changes in thepreservation conditions; whereby, in case of a change in thepreservation conditions, the products in question can be identifiedbeyond dispute.
 20. A components in accordance with any of claims 17 or18; said component being such that the masking means diffuse a firstsubstance intended to act as a screen between the marker and theautomatic processing units above the marker by means of a migrantphysicochemical reaction.
 21. A components in accordance with any ofclaims 17 or 18; said component being such that the masking means modifyan optical property of a second substance intended to act as a screenbetween the marker and the automatic processing units via a controlledgrowth of a population of microorganisms above the marker; thecontrolled growth of the population of microorganisms comprising anactivation process; whereby, when the activation process is deactivated,the handling of the component at ambient temperature does not induce thecontrolled growth of the population of microorganisms.
 22. A componentin accordance with claim 21; the population of microorganisms beingplaced on a culture substrate; the component additionally comprising:inhibition means for inhibiting the growth of said population ofmicroorganisms; whereby the growth of the population of microorganismsis inhibited during the phases of handling the culture substrate atambient temperature; the component additionally comprising:disinhibition means for disinhibiting the population of microorganismsduring the marketing of the product in the distribution circuit; wherebythe growth of the population of microorganisms becomes possible.
 23. Acomponent in accordance with claim 22; the component being such that:the inhibition means for inhibiting the population of microorganismscomprise dehydration means, the disinhibition means for disinhibitingthe population of microorganisms comprise rehydration means.
 24. Acomponent in accordance with claim 23; the population of microorganismsbeing placed on a culture substrate; the culture substrate being locatedin a impermeable pouch; the pouch containing a culture medium(;the pH ofthe culture medium being selected suitably, for inhibiting the growth ofthe population of microorganisms; whereby the growth of the populationof microorganisms is inhibited during the phases of handling the culturesubstrate; the masking means additionally comprising adjustment meansfor adjusting the pH of the medium; the pH adjustment means being in theform of a perforatable capsule, containing water, located inside theimpermeable pouch; whereby the growth of the population ofmicroorganisms becomes possible after fixing the component on theproduct at the location of the marker.